Lip Lift Side Effects and Scars

Question

I had a lip lift augmentation 2 years ago and my scars around the (outside) border of my lips (top and bottom) feel hard, stiff, tight and very uncomfortable. They also burn, and my lips are very sensitive from the scars. I hate speaking/talking because it is soo uncomfortable. Is there anything that I can do to make my lips feel soft and settle the pain and sensitivity?  Getting this kind of lip lift was the worse mistake I have have ever made in my life.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Lip lift scars can be white and visible. Hidef protocols can help with visible lip lift scars on the face. I see a lot of these in my office in Beverly Hills. Surgery is often not needed if lasers and HIDEF scar revision techniques are introduced. 
In our office, we combine treatments starting with topical pre-conditioning of the scars with Plato's Scar Serum for hypertrophy and Melarase PM for pigmentation. Fractional RF, laser, and micro fractional RF can help limit scar growth. Kenalog IIT can also help reduce scar thickness. For lip lift scars specifically, I use selective Hyfrecation to reduce scarring. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Kevin M. Robertson, MD, FACS · Answer

The incisions may have healed with a hypertrophic component, causing scar sensitivity, buildup, and tethering.  Even though your surgery was year ago, a steroid injection with a product called kenalog may help to soften the scars once more.  My experience also has shown it to be independantly effective in decreasing the sensitivity too.  Mke sure you follow up with your surgeon to aid in your recovery.

Daniel Shapiro, MD · Answer

Lip Lift Scars generally go around the edges of the lips and are subject to motion and the stresses of "circular" scars that often heal with hardening and redness.  At this point, I would see your Plastic Surgeon, but most commonly steroid injections can be placed into the scars in a serious of treatments that both soften the hardness, make them feel more comfortable, and decrease the redness.  This would be my first approach.  Some mild massage and topical silicone gel(which is available in liquid form as in Strataderm) can help in the meantime.  If the redness persists, Fotofacial IPL treatments can help, with the last resort being re-excision of the scars with steroid injections placed at the time of scar removal.  Hope this helps.

Paul Blair, MD · Answer

The judicious use of steroid injection into the scar may improve the tightness and sensitivity.  This needs to be done gradually so not to get atrophy in the injected area.  If there is still erythema to the scar, a pulse-dye laser may have benefit.

Chris Thiagarajah, MD · Answer

Steroid injections may help to soften the scars. Also sometimes a revision procedure may help to excise the scarred area. You probably need to see your surgeon again.

Lip Lift Side Effects and Scars

Answers (7)

Answer: Steroids may help the lip scars!

Answer: Steroids may help the lip scars!

Answer: Steroid injections may be helpful

Answer: Steroid injections may be helpful

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Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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Lip Lift Side Effects and Scars

Answers (7)

Answer: Steroids may help the lip scars!

Answer: Steroids may help the lip scars!

Answer: Steroid injections may be helpful

Answer: Steroid injections may be helpful

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.